Labeling machine



Jan. 7, 1941- e. w. VON HOFE LABELING MACHINE Original Filed Dec. 2, 1936 4.- Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. 650265 14/. you Mar:

A TTOR/VE Y Jan. 7, 1941. G. w. 'voN HOFE 2,227,816

LABELING MACHINE Original Filed Dec. 2, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Mon 7 0665 14 V0 h ora %L WM ATTORNEY Jan. 7, 1941 G. w. VON HOFE 2,22 7,816 LABELING MACHINE Original Filed Dec. 2 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 A T TOR/V5 Y Patented Jan. 7, 1941 2,227,816 LABELING MACHINE George W. von Hofe, Bound Brook, N. J., assignor to New Jersey Machine Corporation, Hoboken, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Continuation of application Serial No. 113,796, December 2. 1936. This application January 27,1940, Serial No. 315,897

42 Claims.

My invention relates to labeling machines and has for its object to provide a machine of simple construction whereby labels may be applied to a variety of different articles in an efficient and uniform manner and without requiring any particularly skilled human supervision. The invention contemplates further the provision of novel means for automatically controlling the operation of the label applying mechanism in accurate dependence upon the presence or absence of a label in applying position thereon at the applying point in the cycle of operations. A further object of the invention is to provide a construction in which objectionable features present in many existing types of labeling machines are avoidedand overcome, and whereby the operation of the machine in general is improved to a maximum degree. The invention furthermore proposes a labeling machine which is compact in arrangement so as to occupy a minimum of space and in which all parts are readily accessible for purposes of adjustment, replacement and the like. Other more specific objects will appear from the description hereinafter and the 25 features of novelty. will be pointed out in the claims.

another application filed by me in the United States Patent Office December 2, 1936, Serial No.

In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate an example of the invention without defining its limits, Fig. 1 is a front elevation of the novel labeling machine; Fig. 2 is an elevation looking at one side thereof; Fig. 3 is an eleva- 35 tion looking at the opposite side of the machine;

Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation substantially on the line 4-l of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a fragmentary detail section of a novel article support forming part of the machine; Fig. 6 is a detail section illustrating the novel adhesive applying roll and associated take-off members, and Figs. 7 and 8 are diagrammatic views respectively of a novel adhesive applying roll included in the machine 55 at a suitable point upon the frame In and ar- This application is a continuation of ranged to contain a supply of labels in the form of an upright supply stack l2. For the purpose of periodically restoring the upper end of the stack l2 to a predetermined level in operative relation to the associated elements of the ma- 5 -chine, the bottom I3 is vertically adjustable by means of suitable elevating mechanism automatically controlled in a manner to produce the desired results. While the stack elevating mechanism per se forms no part of the instant in- 10 vention and accordingly may be of any suitable type, a brief reference will be made to the illustrated example of such mechanism appearing in the drawings, in order that said drawings may be clearly understood.

As shown in Fig. 4, the bottom l3 of the hopper II is carried by an upright rack l4 vertically movable in a suitable guide IE on the frame Ill, said rack It being arranged to mesh with a pinion l5 fixed upon a shaft I1 journalled on 20 the frame In in any convenient manner. The

shaft IT, as illustrated in Fig. 2, may also carry a ratchet wheel l8 intermittently rotated by means of a pawl l9 and held against uninten tional return movement by a stop-pawl suitably pivoted upon the frame Ill. The pawl I9 is pivotally mounted upon an operating member 2| mounted to rock upon the shaft l1, and actuated in any convenient manner, as by being provided with a roller 22 adapted to be operatively acted on by a suitable cam which it has not been deemed necessary to illustrateya spring 23 acting on the member 2| serves to maintain the roller 22 in operative relation to its operating cam.

In the example selected for descriptive purposes, the member 2| is normally held against operation by means of a projection 24 in cooperation with a shoulder 25 formed on a controlling member 26 pivotally suspended from a lug 21 on the frame Ill as shown in Fig. 2. The arrangement being described further includes a releasing member 28 loosely mounted on a shaft 29 journalled on the frame 10', said member 28 depending from the shaft 29 beyond the 'pivoted endof the member 26, and carrying an adjustable screw or equivalent projection 30 at its lower end; the screw or equivalent projection 30 is located in registry with and is arranged to ,periodically act on the member 26 by means of a tripping device or yoke 3| fixed upon the shaft29 and co-operating with the releasing member 28 in a manner to be more fully set forth hereinafter. For the purpose of controlling the aforesaid elevating mechanism, the illustrated example of the machine includes a feeler 32 arranged to rest upon the upper end of the stack of labels l2, and vertically slidable in an upright'guide 33 on the frame ID; the feeler 32 is connected by means of a link 34 with a bell-crank lever 35 fixed upon the shaft 29 and provided with a roller 36 arranged in operative relation to a cam 31 secured upon a shaft 38 journalled on the frame I. In the operation of the machine the shaft 38 is rocked on its axis to operate-the cam 31 in predetermined synchronism with the other mechanical elements, in a manner to be more fully set forth hereinafter. As shown in the drawings, a lever 39 is loosely mounted on said shaft 38 and provided with an angular bracket 48 having a slot 4| in which the one end of an operating lever 42 is adjustably connected, for instance, by means of a screw 43. The lever 42 at its lower end is provided with a recess 44 .for the slidable accommodation of a block 45 pivotally mounted upon the frame It and serving to guide the lever 42 in its operation for instance by means of a suitable cam 46 fixed upon a shaft 41 rotatably mounted in conventional bearings on the frame ID.

The aforesaid lever 39 serves to operate suitable means for developing a pressure upon the labels to cause them to firmly and smoothly adhere to the articles for which said labels are designed; the said pressure means may be of conventional form or special construction as' may be preferred or found desirable in a given machine. Inthe form shown in the drawings the pressure means consists of pressure member 48 carried by a plunger 49 vertcially slidable in guideway 50 suitably supported in proper position upon the frame ID. The plunger 49 is vertically reciprocated in the guideway 58 in properly timed relation with the other elements of the machine by means at the lever 39 whiclrhas its free end preferably rounded as indicated at and projecting into a slot 52 located at the inner end of the plunger 49 as shown in Fig. 1. In the preferred arrangement. the end 5| of the lever 39 engages the upper end of the slot. 52 and the end of a member 53 yieldingly mounted by means of a spring 54in a block 55 carried by the plunger 49; with this arrangement, the downward force of the lever 39 will be resiliently applied to the plunger 49 and accordingly will prevent injury to the element being labelled and at the same time avoid other objections which might result from a rigid, unyielding application of. the label applying pressur. In addition, by adjusting the position of the screw 43 in the slot 4| the pivotal throw of the lever 39 may be selectively varied to thereby change the degree of pressure developed by the pressure member 48 in applying the labels.

In the machine as illustrated, the means whereby individual labels are successively removed from the stack l2 and transferred therefrom to the point of application to the articles to be labeled and into position to be acted on by the pressure member 48 and its associated elements, is of the suction operated type, and per se may be of any suitable construction and arrangement. As shown, the label transferring means consists of a carriage 56 slidably mounted upon a horizontal guiderail 51 supported on the frame I8 inany convenient manner; the carriage 56 is slidably reciprocated on the rail 51, for instance, by means of an arm 58 fixed upon the shaft 38 and having its free end pivotally connected with a coupling rod 59 which in turn is yieldingly and pivotally connected at 68 with a lug 6| forming part of or fixed upon the carriage 56 as shown in Figs. -2 and 4.

In the machine as shown in the drawings, the carriage 56 is reciprocated on the rail 51 by rocking the shaft 38, which correspondingly operates the cam 31, and at the same time swings the arm 58 to alternately push and pull the carriage 56 lengthwise of the rail 51. The mechanism whereby said shaft 38 is rocked may, as shown, comprise a segment 62 fixed upon the shaft 38 and meshing with a rack 63 vertically movable in a guideway 64 suitably located upon the frame I as illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3. The rack 63 forms part of an operating member 65 formed at its lower end to straddle the shaft 41 and carrying a roller 66 in operative engagement with a cam 61.fixed upon the shaft 41; the cam 61 is'of such form as to vertically reciprocate the rack 63 and rock the segment 62 and shaft 38 in timed relationship with the other elements of the machine.

The carriage 56 serves as a support for a member 68 which is vertically slidable on said carriage 56 and atits lower end carries a yoke 69 which in turn supports the suction head 18. The specific construction of the latter may be of any conventional type, the suction head 18 in any case being connected with a source of suction as will be more fully pointed out hereinafter. At its upper end the member 68 is provided with rollers 1| and 12 one of which is arranged to travel along a movable rail 13 and the other of which is adapted to travel along a fixed rail 14 recessed at spaced points as indicated respectively at 15 and 16 for the purpose to be more fully described hereinafter. different levels, said rail is mounted upon the frame III by means of adjusting screws 14 or their equivalent; the purpose of this arrange-- ment will be more fully set forth hereinafter. In order to insure efilciency of operation, a spring 11 may have its one end connected with an arm 18 of the member 68 and its other end attached to a lug 19 or its equivalent on the carriage 56;

thesp'ring 11 exerts a tension tending to force the member 68 and suction head 18 downwardly To enable the rail 14 to be set at relatively to the carriage 56. To further increase timed relation with the other parts of the machine, the movable rail 13 is carried by a lever 82 pivoted at 83 on the frame I as'shown in Fig. 1. The lever 82 is pivotally connected at 84 with an operating member 85 slotted at 86 for the accommodation of the shaft 41 and provided at its lower end with a roller 81 in external rolling engagement with a suitable cam 88 fixed upon said shaft 41; a spring 89 has its lower end connected with a hook 89" on the member 85 and acts on the latter in a manner to maintain the roller 81 in external engagement with the periphery of said cam 88.

'I'he'novel machine includes means for automatically controlling the vertical operation of the suction head 10 and its associated elements in dependence upon the action of the suction head 18 in picking up a terminal label from the stack 12 or in failing to do so; in other words, if the suction head 18 for some reason fails to remove a label from said stack l2 or a picked up label is not properly positioned on said suction head 10, the latter will be automatically maintained in its fully raised position without interference with and throughout the reciprocation of the carriage 56 on the rail 51, until the condition is corrected.

To develop the aforesaid automatic control,

,the machine is provided with a suitable valve casing 90 supported upon the frame I in any convenient manner and connected, by means of a flexible tube 9|, with the suction head a flexible tube 92 leads from the valve 90 to a source of suction such as a pump or the like. The valve casing 90 includes an opening which is controlled by a valve 93 carried by one arm of a bell-crank lever 94 pivoted at 95 upon a bracket 96 fixed upon the frame I0 as shown in Fig 1; a suitably mounted spring 93 is provided for shifting the valve 93 to its open position at the proper time in the operation of the machine. The aforesaid arm of the bell-crank lever 94 is further provided with a projection 91 arranged under conditions to be more fully set forth hereinafter to co-operate with a projection 90 located on the member 85.

The other arm of the bell-crank lever 94 extends between two adjustable projections, shown in the form of screws 99, carried by lu'gs I00 forming part or secured to a tripping member ml, the lower forked end I02 of which straddles the shaft 41 as shown in Fig. 3; the member IOI is further slidably guided on the operating member 85 by means of a guide bearing I03, and carries a roller I04 in operative engagement with a cam I05 fixed upon the shaft 41. The tripping member MI is provided with a hook I06 to which the upper end of the spring 09 is fastened whereby said spring 89 in addition to its other functions, acts on the member ml in a manner to maintain the roller I04 thereof in engagement with the cam I05.

To support the articles to be labelled in proper position for labeling, the machine includes supporting means which may vary in character in accordance with the nature and type of articles referred to. The illustrated example of the machine shows this supporting means in a novel form designed to enable articles to be readily,

placed in position for labeling and easily removed subsequent to the application of the labels. In the specific arrangement selected for illustration and description, the supporting means consists of a head I01 adapted specially for supporting articles A of considerable depth as exemplified for instance by relatively deep cylindrical bodies or covers of conventional twopart boxes of cardboard and the like, and 'intended to have labels applied to the end faces thereof; in such case, the head I01 is of cylindrical form and so dimensioned asto fit within the article A as shown in Fig. 2. In another form.illustrated in Fig. 5, the head I01, corconstructed and arranged to accommodate other articles of different specific form and character will be apparent. -:--In any case, the head, such as the head I01,

is removably mounted in the machine, for instance by being formed with a recess I08 adapted to fit over a pin I09 projecting upwardly from a carrier H0; the head I01 or its equivalent may be fixed against unintentional removal from the pin I09 by means of a set screw III or equivalent fastening device. The carrier H0 itself may be detachably connected by bolts H2 or the like, with the upright arm of a bellcrank lever H3 pivoted at H4 upon a bracket H5 secured to the frame I0 and having its horizontal arm provided with a roller H6 arranged in operative engagement with a suitable cam H1 fixed upon the shaft 41; a spring H0, acting on the horizontal arm of the bell-crank lever H3 maintains the roller H6 in proper contact with the cam H1. An adjustable stop I I9 is arranged to engage the upright arm of the bell-crank lever H3 to stop the head I01 or its equivalent in proper registry with the cooperating-elements of the machine during the application of the labels; the stop I I9 is carried by a bracket I suitably secured in place on the 'the machine includes adhesive applying means consisting of an adhesive applying roll I2I carried by a shaft I22 suitably joumalled in the frame I0, and an adhesive distributing roll I23 located on a shaft I24 in tangential relation with the roll I2I. To provide for the adjustment of the roll I23 relatively to the roll I 2|, said shaft I24 in the illustrated example, is rotatably mounted on bell-crank levers I25 pivoted on the frame I0 at I26 and provided with adjustable stop-screws I21 adapted to engage fixed stops 528; springs I29 maintain the stop screws I2'I against and return them into engagement with the stops I28 to thereby determine the position of the roll I23 relatively to the roll I 2 I. It will be understoodthat the frame I0 is provided with openings for the shaft I24 of such dimensions as to permit the shifting of rangement the roll I2I is, formed with circumferential grooves I2I for the purpose to be more fully set forth hereinafter, and the roll I23 carries loosely mounted rings I23 adapted to project into the grooves I2I"- to prevent adhesive from filling the same. The novel arrangement further includes take-oil members or fingers I30 fixed upon a stationary portion |3I of the frame I0 located rearwardly of the adhesive applying roll I2I so that the take-off members I30 are likewise positioned rearwardly of said roll I2I and project forwardly as illustrated in Fig. 4, in the direction of travel of the successive labels from the stack I2 to the point of application to the elements for which said labels are designed.

As shown in Fig. 6, the take-off members I30 extend into the grooves I2I of the adhesive applying roll I2I, said members I30 being of sufficient length and so arranged as to project beyond the peripheral surface of the roll I2I at their free ends. Because of the fact that the take-off members I30 project in the direction of travel of the labels and in the direction of rotation of the roll I2I, said members I30 are subjected to tensional strains when said roll I2I is in operation; in other words, the members I 30 are not subject to any compression forces as is the case in existing machines in which the pickoif members project in directions opposite to the direction of rotation of the associated roll. As a result of the absence of compression forces, as set forth above, the take-off members I are at no time required to resist any tendency to buckle and accordingly may be made of very thin material without affecting their efliciency; because of this fact the grooves I2I of the roll I2I may be made correspondingly narrow. As a consequence of this arrangement, the dry spots on the labels, that is the portions thereof which because of the presence of the members I30 and grooves I 2|, receive no adhesive, are very narrow or in other words, are of minimum dimensions. In practice, it sometimes happens that because of careless cleaning of the adhesive applying roll I2I, a residue of adhesive will remain in the grooves I2I thereof so that, at the end of a rest period, the members I30 will be sealed or glued in said grooves I2I. With the instant novel arrangement this will cause no damage because of the fact that the members I30 are subjected to tensional forces when the roll I2I is rotated; any adhesive connection existing between the roll I2I and the members I30 is accordingly easily disrupted with a minimum of mechanical force and without injury to any of the parts.

At the same time the free ends of the members I30, which project beyond the peripheral surface of the roll I2I prevent the labels from adhering to said roll I2I and from being carried with the same in its path of rotation: in other words, the labels, after being adhesively coated by the roll I 2| as will bedescribed more fully hereinafter, will not be torn away from the suction head 10.

It is to be noted that the adhesive applying roll I2I is of relatively small diameter, that is not materially more than half the diameter of the adhesive distributing roll I23, so that the-labels when carried by the suction head 10 over and in tangential contact relation to said roll I2I form therewith relatively small angles of 0!?y slight depth toward the apices thereof. This s due to the fact that only a minimum portion of the circumferential surface of the roll I2I is in tangential contact with a correspondingly small part of the surface of successive labels when the latter pass in contact with said roll I2I, while at the same time the surface of the roll I2I curves abruptly downwardly and away from said label surface. The tendency for adhesive to collect and pile upon the roll I2I in the aforesaid angles is thus reduced to a minimum. The difierence in this respect between a roll I2I of relatively small diameter and the customary adhesive applying roll of relatively large diameter is shown diagrammaticallyin Figs. '1 and 8 respectively; as a result of the instant novel arrangement, the adhesive coatings on the labels are continuously uniform and even, and the formation of beads of adhesive at the rear edges of the labels is prevented. The arrangement of the take-off members I30 to the rear of said roll I2I also assists in promoting this result.

The distributing roll I23 dips into a supply of adhesive in a container I32-of suitable construction and dimensions and mounted in-the machine" member I33 vertically slidable in a guide I34 on the frame I0; to enable the container I32 to be easily raised and lowered at will a hand lever I35 is pivoted at I36 on the frame I0 and is connected with the member I33 by means of a link I31 as illustrated in Fig. 4. Any suitable means may e provided for locking the container I32 in its raised position; for instance, as shown in Fig.4, the lever 535 may be provided with an opening adapted to removably receive a locking pin I35"- ro-perly mountedon the frame I0 for this purpose.

The rolls I2I and I23 are preferably geared together for instance by means of a pinion I38 on the shaft I22 and a gear I39 on the shaft I24, and the roll I2I is positively driven, for instance by means of a sprocket wheel I40 on. the shaft I22, a sprocket chain MI and a sprocket wheel I42 on a stub shaft I43 suitably journalled on the frame I0. The shaft I43 carries a pinion I44 which meshes with a gear I45 on the shaft 41, said gear I45 in turn meshing with a pinion I46 located on the power shaft I41 of an electric motor I48 which exemplified the power whereby the entire machine is actuated. A suitable clutch controlled at will by means of a clutch treadle I43 in any well known manner may be provided in the machine, which further may include a conventional brake arrangement I50 to prevent overrun and other unintentional operation of the mechanism.

In describing the operation of the machine, it will be assumed that the parts are in a position just prior to the application of a label to an article, and that the article A, which may be in the nature of a box or box cover of cylindrical form and of considerable axial depth, has been placed upon the head I01 as indicated in Figs.

2 and 4. This positioning of the article A upon the head I01 is easily accomplished because of the fact that the bell crank lever II3 has been adjusted by the cam II1 to the position shown in Figs. 2, 3 and 4 in which the head I01 is located in an inoperative article receiving position easily accessible in front and outside of the confines of the mechanism. As the operation of the machine continues, the cam I I1 moving in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 4 will permit the bell crank lever II3 to swing on its pivot I I4 under the influence of the spring H8 in a direction to bring the head I 01 and with it the article A to an operative label receiving position within the confines of the machine beneath and into registry with the suction head 10 which previously has picked up the terminal label from the upper end of the stack I2.

After the label has been applied to the article A in a manner which will be described more in detail later on in the description, the shaft 38 will be. rocked through the medium of 'the segment 62, rack 63 and associated elements to thereby swing the arm 58 in a/direction to draw the carriage 56 lengthwise of the rail 51 toward the right in Fig. 4. Prior to this operation and in properly timed relation therewith the lever 82 has been rocked on its pivot 03 by means of the operating member 85 and cam 88 in a manner to raise the movable rail 13 and to thereby correspondingly lift the member 68 and with it the head 10 to a position above that shown in Figs. 1 and 4. As the carriage 56 is drawn to the right in Fig. 4 as previously described, the suction head 10 and its associated elements will be carried along with the suction head accordingly at a level above the adhesive applying roll I2I so as not to vided for arresting the left hand movement of the carriage 56 to properly locate the suction head 18 in the label applying position.

During this operative step the cam 31 will partake of the rocking movements of the shaft 38 and by acting on the roller 36 will swing the bell crank lever in a direction to raise the feeler 32 away from the upper end of the stack l2; the aforesaid raising of the feeler l3 brings it to an inoperative position in which said feeler does not interfere withthe subsequent actuation of the suction head 18 in the removal of aterminal label from the stack l2.

At the terminus of the aforesaid movement. of the carriage 56 and its associated elements to the right in Fig. 4, the roller 12 will'be located above and in registry with the recess-l6 of the fixed rail 14 for the purpose which will appear more fully hereinafter. At the proper moment the lever 82 will be pivotally actuated to lower the movable rail 13 and with it the member 68. and suction head I8 to bring the latter into engagement with the upper end of the stack I2; the recess 16 previously mentioned permits the roller 12 to move downwardly a sufiicient distance to enable the suction head 18 to properly contact with the upper end of the stack l2; Coincidentally with the engagement of the stack l2 by the suction head I0 the tripping member l0! will move downwardly in Fig. 1 by the action of the cam I85 to thereby swing the bell crank lever 94in a direction to cause the valve 93 to close the opening of the valve casing 88. When this occurs suction is automatically developed in the suction head 18 and causes the latter to pick up the terminal label from the upper end of the stack l2. The lever 82 will then be piovtally actuated by the operating member 85 and cam 88 to raise the movable rail 13 and to thereby lift the member 68 and suction head 18 to a position in which the roller 12 is at a level corresponding to the level of the fixed rail 14. At this stage the carriage 56 will be slidably shifted toward the left by the action of the arm 58 and the rocking of the shaft 38 through the medium of the segment 62, rack 63 and associated elements; as soon as the roller 12 reaches the fixed rail 14, the movable rail 13 will be lowered by the action of the cam,88 and its associated elements to a point below the level of the fixed rail H. During the aforesaid movement of the carriage 56 toward the left the roller II will travel above and out of contact with the movable rail I3 while the roller 12 will travel lengthwise of and in rolling engagement with the fixed rail 14; the latter thus controls and being fixed supports the carriage 56 against vibration and maintains it in a constant steady path during the travel toward the left. The distance from the peripheral surface of the adhesive applying r011 I2l to the upper edge of the fixed rail 14 is substantially equal to the distance between the peripheral surfaces of the rollers H and I2 and the bottom surface of the suction head 18 minus the thickness of a label and the adhesive coating on the adhesive applying roll Hi. The adjustable mounting of the rail 14 by means of the adjusting screws H enables the rail 14 to be accurately set to bring about this condition. With this arrangement as the carriage 56 travels to the left, the label carried by the suction head 10 will pass in tangential uniform surface contact or in adhesive receiving relation with the adhesive applying roll HI and will receive an even coating of adhesive upon its lower surface.

The arrangement and operation of the mechanism is such that during the described travel of the carriage 56 toward the left the advance of the label when first engaging the adhesive applying roll l2l or first coming into adhesive receiving relation therewith will be slower than the surface speed of said roll |2l thereby causing the latter to develop a wiping action on said label which prevents the forward edge thereof from accumulating excess adhesive; as the travel toward the left continues, the advance of said label will be accelerated to become faster than the surface speed of the roll l2l whereby piling up of excess adhesive at the rear end of said label is avoided. As a result of this arrangement, the coatings of adhesive applied to suecessive labels are uniform and even, and extrusion of surplus adhesive from beneath the labels during the application thereof under pressure is reduced to a minimum or entirely done away with. When the carriage 56 finally reaches the left hand position predetermined by the adjustable stop 51 as illustrated in Fig. 2, and when the bell crank lever H3 has been actuated to bring the head I01 and the article A carried thereby beneath and in registry with the suction head 10, the lever 82 will be swung in a direction to lower the movable rail 13. At this stage the roller I2 is located in registry with the recess 15 of the fixed rail I4; the downward movement of the movable rail 13 accordingly will bring the suction head 18 with the label carried thereby into contact with the article A on the head I81, it being understood that these downward operations are assistedby the spring 11. The adhesive coated surface of the aforesaid label is thereby brought into engagement with the article A and adheres thereto. When this initial adhesion has taken place, the bell-crank lever 94 will be actuated by means of the tripping member IIII and its operating cam I05 to permit the valve 93 to be shifted away from the opening of the valve casing 88 by the action of the spring 83 to thereby relieve the suction in the suction head I8 and thus release the previously mentioned label therefrom; in proper timing with these operations the lever 82 will be actuated by the cam 88 and operating member 85 to lift the movable rail 13 and thereby raise the suction head 18 to a level above that of the adhesive applying roll l2l. As the carriage 56 with the suction head 18 and the'associated elements are again moved: to the right along the rail 51 in the manner previously described, the suction head 18, will pass above the adhesive applying roll |2| and out of adhesive receiving relation therewith so as not to contact with said roll I2! and thus to avoid soiling of said suction head 18 with adhesive. At the same time in proper operative sequence the lever 38 will be rocked downwardly on the shaft 38 through the medium of the operatinglever 42. and itsoca'm 46 to thereby shift the plunger" downwardly; this brings the pres.- sure member 46 into engagement with the label previously applied to the article A to complete the adhesive application of said label thereto. It will be noted at this stage that the pressure member 48 is in operative registry with and in operative relation to the article A on the support I81 so that the aforesaid operative steps are readily effected. The operations so far described are repeated in operative sequence throughout a given operative period of the machine. I

From the above it is clear that during an operative period the suction head 18 is horizontally reciprocated to and from the label applying position, and that the pressure member 68 is vertically reciprocated in the performance of its functions. The operative sequence is such that the pressure member 48 will be moved vertically out of the way when the suction head 70 reaches the label applying position as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the yoke 69 permitting the necessary downward movement of the suction head 10 in this position of the parts. To insure proper clearance between the'suction head ill and the pressure member 38 at all times, the slot M is so arranged with respect to the pivot of the block 25 that the arm 39 always returns to approximately the same raised position regardless of the adjustment of the screw 33 in said slot i If the suction head 76 for some reason fails to pick up a terminal label from the stack E2, or if a terminal label becomes improperly positioned on the suction head E0, the openings of said suction head will remain either entirely or partly uncovered; as a result it becomes impossible to develop eflicient suction in said suction head Hi. When this occurs the ineffective suction will be insufficient to hold the valve 93 against the valve casing 90 so that said valve 93 automatically swings away from said casing 9|], it being understood that such movement of the valve 93 is automatically attained in the instant case by reason of the arrangement and construction of the bellcrank lever 9 3 plus the action of the spring 93 and due to the fact that the uppermost projection 99 occupies the raised position relatively to the one arm of said lever 96. As the bell crank lever 96 thus operates to swing the valve 93 away from the casing 90, the projection 91 of said bellcrank lever M will be shifted into the vertical path of the projection 98 located on the member 85. The lever 82 will thereby be held against operation and the movable rail- 13 will be retained in a raised position to correspondingly sustain the suction head Ill at a level above that of the adhesive applying roll I2l; under such conditions, as the carriage 5 6 is operated the lower surface of the suction head 10 will not contact with said roll I 2| or pass in adhesive receiving relation thereto and accordingly will not become coated with adhesive. This condition will remain until corrected by the operator or attendant, after which the previously described operations will be resumed in the intended mechanical sequence.

During the operation of the machine the bellcrank lever 35 will be actuated by the cam 31 as previously described to raise. the feeler 32 from the upper end of the stack I2 in properly timed relation to the operations of the suction head 10 in picking up successive terminal labels from said stack l2; during the repeated operations of the bell-crank lever 35 the shaft 29 will be rocked and correspondingly rock the tripping device or yoke 3|. the height of the stackl2 brings the upper end thereof below a predetermined level the movements of the yoke 3 I will have no efiect upon the releasing member 28. When however 'the top of the stack l2 passes beneath this predetermined level, the yoke 3| will contact with the releasing member 28 and pivotally swing the same upon its pivot, 29 to thereby cause the projection 30 by engagement with the controlling member 26 to likewise swing the latter in a direction to move of the operating member 2|. As soon as this occurs, the operating member 2|, by the action of Untilsuch time as successive reduction in.

its co-operating cam and the spring 23, will operate the pawl IQ and ratchet wheel 58 in a manner to restore the upper end of thestack 112 to a predetermined level at which successive terminal labels of said stack are again brought within the operating range of the suction head Hi. It will be understood that'the machine as a whole may be started and stopped at will by suitable manipulation of the clutch through the medium of the clutch treadle M9.

The machine operates automatically with maximum efiiciency and may be utilized for applying labels to many difierent types of articles or labels. When the machine is of a form to include the arrangement of adjustable head E07 it is particularly eificient'in applying labels to articles which are either difficult to insert intoand remove from the machine such as deep receptacles or deep covers, or which because of their shape are difii- 'cult to support during the label application. The mechanism exemplified by the bell-crank lever M3, the head in! and associated elements overcomes these difiiculties by bringing the head H1] or its equivalent into a readily accessible article receiving and removing position outside of the confines of the machine in which the article A may be easily combined therewith and removed therefrom. As shown in Fig. 5, the head I01 which corresponds to the head 801 may be provided with a recess such as new dimensioned and shaped to accommodate predetermined articles such as bottles for supporting the same efiiciently in label receiving positions.

The provision of the automatic suction control to prevent the suction head from becoming coated with adhesive, either wholly or in part -because of the absence of a label thereon, or because of the presence of an improperly positioned label thereon, overcomes a serious objection existing in many types of labeling machines. The advantage of the adhesive applying roll of relatively small diameter has previously been described ahd set forth herein and provides the machine with an additional feature which adds materially to its efiiciency and overcomes objections inherent in other types of labeling machines.

Because of the fact that in the instant novel arrangement the forward edges of the labels or their equivalent are located at a given point in the stack l2, regardless of the length or other dimensions of said labels, these forward edges constitute a factor which is constant. By advancingsaid labels toward the adhesive roll I2I at a speed which at first is less than the surface speed of said roll HI and consequently is greater than said surface speed, the application of, the coating of adhesive to said labels is accomplished without accumulation of excess adhesive at any part of said labels; in other words, the adhesive is applied uniformly and evenly at'all times and undesirable soiling of the pressure member 48 and other elements of the machine with adhesive is positively avoided: At the same time, dry spots on the adhesive coated surfaces of the labels are reduced to a minimum because of the type and arrangement of the pick-off members I30 and the correspondingly, narrow co-operating grooves As a result a maximum' and eflicient adhesive connection between the labels and the articles to which they are applied T is effected by the machine.

the shoulder 25 from beneath the projection 24 In addition to other advantages inherent .in the novel machine, successive labels are held and conveyed from the hopper II to the articles in a manner to insure exact and accurate setting of every label in the intended position on the articles for which they are designed, and without deviation regardless as to whether'the label receiving surfaces of said articles are flat, curved or recessed.

The absence of seepage of adhesive also obviates the necessity for wiping of labels or articles and assures clean and efficient results. Furthermore, no skilled attendants are required to supervise the operation of the machine.

It will of course be understood that individua features such as exemplified by the adjustable head I01 and its associated mechanism may be replaced by other specific mechanical arrangements which produce the same or equivalent results.

It also,will be obvious that individual features such as the aforesaid adjustable head andcooperating elements, the means for automatically preventing the suction head from being coated with adhesive, the adhesive applying roll of small diameter etc. may be independently incorporated in other labeling machines.

Various changes in the specific forms shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim: 1. In a labeling machine including applying means for adhesively applying labels to articles,

that improvement which comprises a support forfor a supply of labels, a carrier reciprocable over a given path, applying means on said carrier movable transversely to said path for removing successive labels from said supply and for applying said labels to articles, and means for applying a coating of adhesive to said labels at a predetermined point in said path prior to their application to said articles, that improvement which comprises a support for said articles movable to and fro into the transverse applying path of said applying means to shift the articles carried by said support into label receiving relation to said applying means and to an inoperative article receiving and removing position outside of said transverse applying path in unrestricted accessible relation to said applying means.

3. In a labeling machine including a holder for a supply of labels, a carrier reciprocable over a horizontal path, applying means on said carrier movable vertically relatively thereto for removing successive labels from said supply and for applying said labels to articles, and means for applying a coating of adhesive to said labels at a predetermined point in said horizontal path prior to their application to said articles, that improvement which comprises an oscillatable support for the articles to be labeled, and mechanism for oscillating said support into said vertical applying path to move the articles carried thereby beneath said applying means in label receiving relation thereto and to an inoperative article receiving and removing position outside of said vertical applying path in unrestricted accessible relation to said applying means.

.movabletransversely to said path for removing successive labels from said supply and for applying said labels to articles, and means for applying a coating of adhesive to said labels at a predetermined point in said path prior to their application to said articles, that improvement which comprises an oscillatable support for the articles to be labeled, and mechanism for oscillating said support into said transverse applying path to shift the articles carried by said support into label receiving relation to said applying means and to an inoperative article receiving and removing position outside of said transverse applying path in unrestricted accessible relation to said applying means.

5. In a labeling machine including a holder for a a supply of labels, means for removing successive labels from said supply and for applying the same, and means for coating said labels with adhesive prior to their application, that improvement which comprises a pivotally mounted bellcrank lever, a supporting head carried by said lever for supporting the articles. to be labeled, a cam for operating said lever to adjust said supporting head to an operative label receiving position within the confines of said machine and to an inoperative article receiving and removing position outside of the confines of the machine, and means for actuating said cam.

6. In a labeling machine including applying means movable over a given path for adhesively applying labels to articles, that improvement which comprises an oscillating support for said articles oscillatable into said path to shift said articles into label receiving relation to said applying means and to an inoperative article receiving and removing position outside of said path in unrestricted accessible relation to said applying means.

7. In a labeling machine including means for adhesively applying successive labels to successive articles, that improvement which comprises a pivotally mounted bell-crank lever, a supporting head removably carried-by said lever, said supporting head being selectively designed in accordance with predetermined articles intended to be supported by said head, and means for operating said lever to adjust said supporting head to an operative label receiving position within the confines of said machine and to an inoperative article receiving and removing position outside of the confines of the machine.

8. In a labeling machine including a holder for a supply of labels, a support for the articles to be labeled located at the labeling point at a distance from said holder, an ,adhesive applying roll located at a point between said supply of labels and said labeling point and rotatable in a direction toward thelatter, said roll being pro: vided with circumferential grooves, and means, including a suction head, for transporting successive labels from said supply to and in contact with said adhesive applying roll in tangential relation thereto to receive a coating of adhesive from said roll and to said labeling point for application to said articles, that improvement "which comprises take-off members supported at a point between the adhesive applying roll and the label supply holder and having free end portions projecting tangentially in the grooves of said roll below the peripheral surface thereof and beyond said peripheral surface to an extent cles to be labeled located at the labeling point,

means for transferring labels from said supply to said labeling point and for applying said labels to the articles, andmeans for automatically arresting the label applying operation of said transferring means in the absence of or incorrect positioning of a label thereon.

10. In a labeling machine, the combination of a support for articles to be labeled located at the labeling point, a holder for a stack of labels, a suction device for removing successive labels from said stack and transferring said labels to r the labeling point, said suctiondevice being relatively movable to apply said labels to the article, and means forautomaticallyarresting the relative movement of said suction device in the label applying operation thereof, if said suction device fails to pick up a label from said stack or improperly picks up a label therefrom.

11. In a labeling machine, the'combination of a support for articles to be labeled located at the labeling point, a holder for a stack of labels, a' suction device for removing successive labels from said stack and transferring said labels to the labeling point, said suction device being relatively movable to apply said labels tov the article, a suction connection leading to said suction device, a valve in said suction connection arranged to control communication between said connection and the atmosphere, said valve shifting automatically to its open position if said suction device fails to'remove or improperly removes a label from said stack, mechanism for relatively moving said suction device to apply said labels, and co-operating means on said valve and mechanism whereby the latter is locked to automatically prevent the label applying operation of said suction device when said automatic shifting of said valve to its open position takes place.

12. In a labeling machine, the combination of a support for articles to be labeled located at the labeling point, a holder for a stack of labels located at a distance from said labeling point, a

, carriage arranged to be reciprocated between said holder and labeling point, a suction device mounted on said carriage and movable relatively thereto to remove successive labels from said stack and to apply the labels to the articles, a suction connection leading to said suction device, a valve in said connection arranged to control communication between said connection and the atmosphere, said valve shifting automatically to its open" position if said suction device fails to remove or improperly removes a label from said stack, a rocking lever for effecting the relative movements of said suction device, means for operating said rocking lever, and projections carried respectively by said valve and said operating means co-operating with each other when said automatic shifting of said valve to its open position takes place to automatically prevent the label applying operation of said suction device.

13. In a labeling machine, the combination of a support for articles to'be labeled located at a labeling point, a holder for a stack of labels located at a distance from. said labeling point, stationary means defining a path extending in a direction from said holder toward said labeling point, movable means operative beyond the terminals of the pathdefined by said stationary means, a carriage arranged to be reciprocated between said holder and said labeling point, means for reciprocating said carriage, a device movable with said carriage and movable relatively thereto for removing successive labels from said stack and applying said labels to said articles, said device being supported by said stationary means during the reciprocation of said carriage and being supported by said movable means beyond said terminals of said path defined by said stationary means, and mechanism for operating said movable means relatively to said stationary means whereby said device is actuated relatively to said carriage beyond said rail, a carriage arranged to be reciprocated between said holder and said labeling point, means for reciprocating said carriage, a device carried by said carriage and movable relatively thereto for removing successive labels from said stack andapplying said labels to said articles, said device being supported by said stationary rail during part of the reciprocation of said carriage and being supported by said movable rail at predetermined points in said reciprocation, and mechanism for operating said movable rail relatively to said stationary rail whereby said device is actuated relatively to said carriage to remove successive labels from said stack and to apply said labels to said articles.

15. In a labeling machine, the combination of Y a supportforarticles to be labeled located at a labeling point, a holder for a stack of labels located at a distance from said labeling point, in a horizontal direction, a stationary rail defining a path extending in a direction from said holder to saidlabeling' point, a movable horizontal rail located in spaced parallel relation to said fixed rail and projecting beyond the terminals of the a path defined thereby, a carriage arranged to be reciprocated between said holder and said label.- ing point, means for reciprocating said carriage, a device carried by said carriage and vertically movable relatively thereto for removing succes sive labels from said stack and applying said labels to said articles, said device being supported by said fixed rail during the reciprocation of said carriage and being supported by said movable rail beyond the terminals of the path defined by said fixed rail, and mechanism for vertically operating said movable rail relatively to said stationary rail beyond said path terminals whereby said device is actuated relatively to said carriage to remove successive labels from said stack and to apply said labels to said articles.

16. In a labeling machine, the combination of a support for articles to be labeled located at a labeling point, a holder -for a stack of labels located at a distance from said labeling point, in a horizontal direction, a stationary rail defining a path extending in a direction from said holder to said labeling point, a movable horizontal rail located in spaced parallel relation to said fixed rail and projecting beyond the terminals of the path defined thereby, a carriage arranged to be reciprocated between said holder and said labeling point, means for reciprocating said carriage, a device carried by said carriage and vertically movable relatively thereto for removing successive labels from said stack and applying said labels to said articles, a roller journalled on said device whereby the latter is supported on said fixed rail during the reciprocation of said carriage. a second roller journalled on said device whereby the latter is supported on said movable rail beyond the terminals of the path defined by said fixed rail, and mechanism for vertically operating said movable rail relatively to said fixed rail when said device is beyond said path terminals whereby said device is actuated to remove successive labels from said stack and to apply said labels to said articles.

17. In a labeling machine, the combination of a holder for a stack of labels, means for transferring labels from said stack to a labeling point and for initially applying said labels to articles at said labeling point, pressure means slidably guided at said labeling point for vertical operation subsequently to said initial application to press said labels in place on said articles, and operating means including a member loosely connected with said pressure means for applying operating power thereto in direct line with the sliding movements of said pressure means.

18. In a labeling machine, the combination of a holder for a stack of labels, a carriage arranged to be reciprocated horizontally in said machine, a device carried by said carriage and vertically movable relatively thereto at predetermined points in said reciprocation, mechanism for vertically operating said device at said predetermined points in said reciprocation to remove successive labels from said stack and to initially apply said labels to articles, a vertically operable pressure member, and means including a member pivotally connected with said pressure member for applying operating power to said pressure member at the label applying point subsequently to said initial application and in direct line with the vertical movements of said pressure member to press said labels in place on said articles.

19; In a labeling machine, means located at a labeling station for supporting an article to be labeled, means for depositing an adhesively coated label on said article, pressure means operated at said labeling station to press said label in place on said article, and means whereby the operative relation between the pressure means and the article supporting means may be selectively varied.

20. In a labeling machine, means located at a labeling station for supporting an article to be labeled, means for depositing an adhesively coated label on said article, a pressure member at said labeling station, a pivoted lever for actuating said pressure member to press said label in place on said article, and mechanism adjustably connected with said lever for operating the same, said adjustable connection enabling the throw of said lever to be varied to selectively vary the degree of applying pressure developed by said pressure member.

21. In a labeling machine, means located at a labeling station for supporting an article to be labeled, means for depositing an adhesively coated label on said article, a pressure member at said labeling station, a pivoted lever for label in place on said article, said lever being actuating said pressure member to press said" provided with a slot extending in the direction of the length thereof, operating mechanism including an operating lever, and a pivot member adjustable in said slot whereby said operating lever is adjustably connected with said pivoted lever to vary the throw thereof.

22. In a labeling machine including applying means for adhesively applying labels to articles, that improvement which comprises a support for the articles to be labeled movable from an article receiving and removing position to a labeling position and vice versa, and a vertically actuated pressure member in operative registry with and in .operative relation to the articles on said support when the latter is in said labeling position.

23. In a labeling machine including applying means for adhesively depositing labels on articles, that improvement which comprises a vertically actuated pressure means for developing applying pressure on the deposited labels, and a support for the articles to be labeled movable from an article receiving and removing position into operative relation with said pressure means.

24. In a labeling machine, the combination of a horizontally reciprocable label transfer means, a support on which articles to be labeled receive labels from said transfer means, a vertically slidable pressure member whereby pressure is applied to the labels on said articles, and operating means including a lever pivotally connected with said pressure member for applying operating power thereto in direct line with the sliding movements of said pressure member.

25. In a labeling machine, the combination of a horizontally reciprocable suction head for carrying labels, a support on which articles to be labeled receive labels from said suction head, a vertically slidable pressure member whereby pressure is applied to the labels on said articles, and operating means including a pivoted lever pivotally connected with said pressure member for applying operating power thereto in direct line with the sliding movements of said pressure member.

26. In a labeling machine for adhesively applying labels to articles, a movable pressure member for applyingpressure to the labels on said articles, a pivoted lever connected with said pressure member whereby the latter is operated, an actuating member connected with said lever between its pivot and its connection with said pressure member, and operating means whereby a tensional stress is developed in said actuating member for pivotally actuating said lever to operate said pressure member in a manner to efiect a pressure applying force on said labels on the articles.

27. In a labeling machine, the combination of adhesive applying means, label transfer means for carrying labels in adhesive receiving relation to said adhesive applying means and to a label applying station, pressure means for developing label applying pressure at said label applying station, and means including pivoted members having a common pivotal axis for operating said label transfer means and said pressure means respectively.

28. In a labeling machine, the combination of having a common pivotal axis for operating said suction head and said pressure means respectively.

29. In a labeling machine, the combination of label transfer means reciprocable over a given path, pressure means reciprocable over a given path transverse to the path of said transfer means, pivoted members having a' common pivotal axis for operating said transfer means and said pressure means respectively over their respective paths, and means for actuating said pivoted members.

30. In a labeling machine, the combination of a suction head reciprocable over a given path to deposit an adhesive coated label on an article, pressure means reciprocable over a given path transverse to the path of said suction head to complete the adhesive application of said label to said article, pivoted members having a common pivotal axis for operating said suction head and pressure means respectively over their respective paths, and means for actuating said pivoted members. I

31. In a labeling machine, the combination of adhesive applying means, label transfer means for carrying labels in correct applying position in adhesive receiving relation to said adhesive applying means and adapted to apply said labels to articles, and means for maintaining said label transfer means out of adhesive receiving relation with'said adhesive applying means and for arresting the label applying operation of said 7 transfer means in the absence or incorrect positioning of a label thereon.

32. In a labeling machine, the combination of adhesive applying means, a suction device for carrying labels in correct applying position in adhesive receiving relation to said adhesive applying means a suction connection leading to 40 said suction device, a valve in said connection for controlling communication between said connection and the atmosphere, and means controlled by said valve for maintaining said suction device out of adhesive receiving relation with said adhesive applying means in the absence or incorrect positioning of a label on said suction device.

33. In a labeling machine, the combination of adhesive applying means, means for supporting articles to be labeled at the labeling point,

a suction device for carrying labels in correct applying position in adhesive receiving relation to said adhesive applying means and for applying said labels to said articles at said labeling point, and means for maintaining said suction device out of adhesive receiving relation with said adhesive applying means and for arresting the label applying'operation in the absence or incorrect positioning of a label on said suction device.

34. In a labeling machine, the combination of a framefadhesive applying means, a guide rail,

label transfer means movable along said rail for carrying labels in adhesive receiving relation to said adhesive applying means for receiving an application of adhesive therefrom, and means for adjusting said guide rail to vary the adhesive receiving relation of said transfer means to said adhesive applying means whereby the application of adhesive to the carried labels may be controlled in amount and thickness.

35. In a labeling machine, the combination of a frame, a support on said frame for articles to be labeled, a pressure device slidablymounted on said frame above said support for affixing labels to said articles, a lever pivotally mounted on said frame and connected with said pressure device at its upper end, and means whereby said lever is pivotally actuated in alternate operative and return movements to slidably operatevsaid pressure device in vertical directions above said support to develop a single pressure effect during each operative movement of said lever.

36. In a labeling machine, the combination of a holder for a stack of labels, means including a suction head for transferring labels from said stack to a labeling point and for initially applying said labels to articles at said labeling point, pressure means slidably guided at said labeling point for vertical operation subsequently to said initial application to press said labels in place on said articles, a power developing lever pivotally mounted at one end and pivotally connected ,at its opposite end with said pressure means for applying operating power thereto in direct line with the sliding movements of said pressure means, and operating means connected with said power developing lever at an intermediate point thereof for pivotally operating said lever.

3'7. In a labeling machine, the combination of a frame, a support on said frame for articles to be labeled, a guideway on said frame above said support, a plunger slidably mounted in said guideway, a pressure member carried by said plunger for aflixing labels to said articles, a lever pivotally mounted on said frame and connected with said plungertat its upper end, and means whereby said lever is pivotally actuated in alternate operative and return movements to slid- ,ably operate said plunger above said support in said guideway to develop a single pressure effect during each operative movement of said lever.

38. In a labeling machine, the combination of a frame, a support on said frame for articles to be labeled, a vertical guideway fixed on said frame above said support, a vertically movable plunger slidably mounted in said guideway, a

pressure member carried by said plunger at its lower end for aflixing labels to said articles, a lever pivotally mounted on said frame and connected with the upper end of said plunger, and means whereby said lever is pivotally actuated in alternate operative and return movements to labels from said supply to the labeling point of said machine for initially applying said labels to articles at said labeling point, said transferring means including a vacuum head reciprocated on said track, and a lever pivoted on said horizontal shaft for reciprocating said vacuum head on said track.

40. In a labeling machine, the combination of a holder for a supplyof labels, a horizontal track comprising a plurality of bars spaced vertically apart, a horizontal shaft mounted above said track at right angles thereto, means for transferring labels from said supply to the labeling point of said machine for initially applying right angles thereto, means for transferring and pivotally operated for reciprocating said vacuum head on said bars.

41'. In a labeling machine, the combination 0! a holder for a supply of labels, a horizontal track, a horizontal shaft mounted above said track at right angles thereto, means for transferring labels from said supply to the labeling point of said machine for initially applying said labels to articles at said labeling point, said transferring means including a vacuum head reciprocated on said track, a lever pivoted on said horizontal shaft for reciprocating said vacuum head on said track, vertically operated pressure means operated at said labeling point subsequently to said initial application of said labels to press the latter in place on said articles, a rectangular slide carrying said pressure means,

and apivoted lever mounted on said horizontal shaft for operating said slide to thereby actuate said pressure means.

42. In a labeling machine, the combination of a holder for a supply of labels, a horizontal track, means reciprocated on said track for transferring labels from said supply to the labeling point of said machine for initially applying said labels to articles at said labeling point, a

GEORGE W. VON HOFE. 

